The objective of this project is to determine the structure-function relationships of the binary toxin of Bacillus sphaericus, which is currently used as an environmentally friendly biopesticide against mosquito vectors of various transmited diseases. This work is a logical continuation of our preliminary studies on binary toxin and will target two main objectives:
1. To understand the structural basis and nature of the structural changes during the key transition linked to toxicity of the binary toxin: from water-soluble to membrane-associated forms.
2. To identify the determinants for binary toxin toxicity (membrane interaction and pore formation) and receptor recognition by performing in vivo toxicity assays with mosquito larvae, in vitro monitoring of membrane permeability behaviour and receptor binding assay.
